verb
appropriate
To take something for one's own use, often without permission.
The rival firm tries to appropriate her design without asking permission.
Etymology
The Latin verb means to make something one’s own. The English verb preserves that action, with the context determining whether taking possession is authorized or improper.
More examples
- The council appropriated funds for repairs.
- He appropriates phrases from other writers without acknowledgment.
- They objected to the company appropriating their community's name.
Forms
appropriate · appropriates · appropriated · appropriating